Trip Overview
Introduction to Kathmandu City Sightseeing Tour
The Kathmandu City Sightseeing Tour takes you to Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Lalitpur (Patan). Nestled in the embrace of the Himalayas, Kathmandu is a beautiful green valley. It is also the capital of Nepal. Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Lalitpur are beautiful historical tourist towns within the valley.
Kathmandu stands as the cultural and historical center of Nepal. Its vibrant heritage, religious sanctuaries, and breathtaking scenery attract tourists. With a long history, the city has been a crossroads of various cultures, religions, and architectural influences. Kathmandu Sightseeing is a short tour around the ancient and majestic monuments of Kathmandu Valley.
During the Kathmandu tour, you will visit historical and natural places. Its historic temples and palaces showcase unique art, culture, architecture, and design. The trip covers all the major Kathmandu sightseeing spots. Completable in just 6 days, this tour is easy for travellers of all ages.
The Kathmandu Valley Tour is a great opportunity to explore temples, stupas, cultural heritage, and the history of Nepal. Kathmandu is known as the city of temples. During your visit, you can find temples, stupas, and other religious places in every street corner of this city. The Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour includes exploring six UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Kathmandu is a bit overpopulated, which makes it unsuitable for those seeking solitude. However, many historical monuments, religious places, and cultural elements provide you with inner peace. Kathmandu Valley includes Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square. These palace squares serve as tangible evidence of their historical importance.
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Start your Kathmandu city tour.
One of our representatives will go to the airport to pick you up on the first day of the Kathmandu city tour. The representative will welcome you at Tribhuvan International Airport and drop you off at your hotel. After reaching the hotel, relax and prepare for the Kathmandu sightseeing tour.
After breakfast, you will be ready for the tour the next morning. Our sightseeing tour guide will pick you up at the hotel. The guide will take you to Kathmandu Durbar Square, a short distance from the tourist spot Thamel.
Kathmandu Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with historical significance. Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the most fascinating historical places in Kathmandu. Embarking on a sightseeing tour of this ancient square is like a journey back in time.
The square has temples, palaces, shrines, courtyards, and statues that testify to the city’s royal history. It mainly displays intricate wood carvings, pagoda-style roofs, and ornate details.
Kathmandu Durbar Square is also known as Basantpur Durbar or Hanumandhoka Durbar Square. Within this area is a three-story pagoda temple dedicated to Goddess Taleju Bhavani. This temple’s architectural beauty and elaborate carvings attract visitors and devotees alike.
Another attraction is the Kumari Bahl, a traditional Newari courtyard house. At the square, street vendors, shops, traditional handicrafts, and souvenirs allow visitors to immerse themselves in Nepal’s cultural tapestry. To explore Kathmandu Durbar Square is to experience Nepali tradition’s spiritual and cultural essence.
Visit Patan Durbar Square and Swayambhunath Stupa
Patan Durbar Square is another tourist spot in Kathmandu that you will visit today. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the heart of the ancient city of Lalitpur, near Kathmandu. It is famous for its exquisite Newari architecture, rich cultural heritage, and religious significance. A visit to Patan Durbar Square offers a fascinating glimpse of Nepal’s history and artistic heritage.
This square served as the royal palace of the Malla kings of the Patan kingdom. The structures within this complex are excellent examples of Newari craftsmanship. One of the most iconic temples in the square is the Krishna Temple. This magnificent stone temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. Its exquisite carvings, intricate details, and unique peak-style architecture fascinate visitors.
Swayambhunath Stupa is another attractive place in Kathmandu that you will visit today. Swayambhunath Stupa, often known as the “Monkey Temple,” is a famous tourist spot in Kathmandu. Here, you can see numerous monkeys. Hence, its popular nickname is Monkey Temple. Situated on a small hill, this is an iconic religious site.
This ancient and sacred stupa holds religious, cultural, and historical significance. The main stupa is a dome-shaped structure surrounded by numerous smaller stupas, shrines, and temples. The site offers panoramic views of Kathmandu city and the surrounding valley. The peaceful atmosphere, lovely architecture, and the sound of prayer flags evoke a spiritual feeling.
Visit Pashupatinath Temple and Bouddhanath Stupa
The third day of the Kathmandu sightseeing tour will take you to Pashupatinath Temple, Bouddhanath Stupa, and Nagarkot. The Pashupatinath temple is located on the banks of the Vagmati River. This temple is one of the world’s most revered and sacred Hindu temples. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temple attracts pilgrims and curious visitors.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and serves as a Hindu spiritual and worship center in Nepal. This pagoda-style temple is decorated with stunning artwork. One of the notable features of Pashupatinath is the presence of sadhus. Sadhus are Hindu holy men who devote their lives to spirituality.
During the festival of Mahashivratri, the Pashupatinath temple becomes the focal point of grand celebrations. Thousands of devotees from Nepal and beyond gather to pay their respects and participate in lively festivals. A visit to the Pashupatinath Temple also provides a deep appreciation for Nepal’s cultural richness and reverence.
After visiting Pashupatinath, you will take a short drive to Boudhanath Stupa. This stupa is the most important and largest in Nepal. The stupa’s construction is believed to date back to the 5th century, although the current structure is a 14th-century renovation. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that holds great cultural and religious significance for followers of Buddhism.
Boudhanath is a center for pilgrimage, religious practice, and meditation. It is a cultural and architectural marvel that attracts pilgrims and tourists from all over the world. Visitors circumambulate the stupa, spin prayer wheels, and walk clockwise around it, chanting mantras.
It has a huge dome of about 36 meters and is decorated with colorful prayer flags. The surrounding area contains monasteries, shrines, traditional Tibetan artifacts, and religious objects. Overall, Boudhanath Stupa embodies spiritual devotion, cultural heritage, and architecture.
Visit Nagarkot
After visiting Boudhanath, the guide will take you to Nagarkot for sightseeing. Nagarkot is a charming hill village about 32 km east of Kathmandu. It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to reach Nagarkot, depending on traffic and road conditions. Nagarkot offers a quiet escape from the bustling city life of Kathmandu. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the majestic Himalayas, including the majestic Everest.
Nagarkot is one of the best vantage points in the Himalayas, known mainly for its sunrise and sunset views. For photography enthusiasts, there are opportunities to capture stunning landscapes, especially during sunrise and sunset. Visiting Nagarkot due to its natural beauty is a day or overnight trip for tourists and locals alike. You can also visit nearby villages to get an insight into the traditional Nepalese lifestyle.
The next day, you will visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square on your way back to Kathmandu. Bhaktapur Durbar Square is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the ancient city of Bhaktapur. It is known for its well-preserved historical architecture, exquisite artwork, and rich cultural heritage.
Exploring the Bhaktapur Durbar Square shows Nepal’s glorious history and traditional Newari craftsmanship. Bhaktapur Durbar Square is living proof of Nepal’s historical and architectural grandeur. Its temples, palaces, and courtyards offer a fascinating journey through its rich cultural heritage.
The 55-window palace with intricately carved wooden windows and doors is one of the attractions of this square. Another attraction is the Nyatapola Temple, one of Nepal’s tallest pagoda-style temples. This five-story temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Siddhi Lakshmi. Bhairav Nath Temple, Golden Gate, Lion Gate, Art Gallery and Museum, etc. are other attractions of this place.
Free day: You can do various activities
On the fifth day of the Kathmandu city tour, you are free. You can spend this day in your own way by doing various activities. You can go to a short hiking spot near Kathmandu if you love hiking. Shivapuri, Nagarjuna Phulchoki, Champadevi, etc., are famous hiking spots around Kathmandu Valley.
Hiking in Shivpuri National Park can be a good option for you. This hike offers great opportunities for hiking amidst natural beauty and tranquil surroundings. The park encompasses diverse ecosystems with lush forests and scenic views.
You can also spend your free time in Thamel, a lively and popular tourist spot in Kathmandu. Thamel is a hub for travelers seeking cultural experiences, shopping, and dining. It is a bustling place famous for its shops, restaurants, bars, hotels, and guesthouses.
You can enjoy a wide range of dishes, from local Nepali to international. Its vibrant nightlife, cultural dinners, and live music evoke a sense of a lively atmosphere. You can also visit Nepal’s oldest and traditional Asan Bazaar near Thamel. Asan Market is a bustling commercial center famous for its wide range of goods and commodities.
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Kathmandu Tour Sightseeing Guide
Our tour guides are government-licensed by the Nepal Tourism Department. They have good information about the entire tour destination. Most guides who have worked for a long time have good insight as local guides. They take you to the hidden alleyways of Kathmandu’s sightseeing spots.
Price of the Kathmandu city tour
What is the price of a Kathmandu city sightseeing tour package? The trip’s price depends on the type of services you choose and the size of the group. The cost of each trip we organize varies because travelers have specific needs and preferences. What kind of service are you looking for—budget-friendly or luxurious? Let us know your group size, interests, and preferences. We offer you a reasonable price, considering your priority. We care for your details and ensure your dream trip becomes a reality.
The best month for a Kathmandu city tour
The best time for a Kathmandu city tour depends largely on personal preferences. However, the two best seasons for visiting Kathmandu are spring and autumn. The spring season covers March to May, during which the weather is pleasant and the temperature warm.
The sky is generally clear and offers excellent visibility of the surrounding landscapes. Autumn covers September to November, another good time to visit Kathmandu. This season has mild temperatures, clear skies, and stable weather conditions. Therefore, September to November are the perfect times for sightseeing in Kathmandu.
We offer the best Kathmandu city sightseeing tour packages at affordable prices. So, please contact us at info@odysseytreksnepal.com. If you need a different itinerary, then let us know. We will help you prepare a suitable travel program according to your interests and needs.
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Trip Itinerary
Arrive at Tribhuvan International airport, Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Sightseeing of Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath stupa (Monkey Temple) and Patan Durbar Square.
Sightseeing of Pashupatinath temple, Bouddhanath stupa and drive to Nagarkot.
Drive from Nagarkot to Kathmandu en-route visit, Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
Free day in Kathmandu.
Free till departure and transfer to Tribhuvan International airport for final departure.
Why not list the price?
Each client's needs may be different. The price of the trip varies according to the size of your group and the service you want. The cost of the trip is calculated according to the type of service and accommodation chosen by our customers.
Each trip is customized to fit the client's needs and group size, so the price of each organized trip is different. Please let us know the service you want and the size of the group. We create trips to suit your taste and travel budget per your requirements. Hope you find our price calculation reasonable according to your needs and preferences.
Frequently asked questions about this trip
What is altitude sickness?
Altitude sickness is normally known as acute mountain sickness. This can happen when people rapidly climb up to an altitude of more than 3000 meters. We ensure minimal risk by adding rest to our trekking itineraries. Most people will feel some effects of altitude, some shortness of breath and possibly light headache, this is normal enough. Acute mountain sickness patients are quite different and usually have a serious headache, sickness, and lose awareness. In almost all possible cases there are sufficient warning signs to take action properly. Descending to a lower altitude is usually enough to prevent any further problems.
Do I need a visa to enter Nepal and how can I get if I need it?
Yes, you need Visa for travelling to Nepal and this can be obtained before departing from your country or at the Kathmandu Airport. It should be noted that your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your return and requires 2 passport size photos. For more detail please visit the Department of immigration page.
Do I need Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance will ensure your safety and security during the trip. Travel insurance with maximum medical cover is essential for all trips to Nepal to minimize risk.
How can I book a trip with you?
First, choose the one that suits you best to trip with us and just click Book Now. A form will open and all your details will have to be sent to us via the form. Then, to confirm the booking, 20% of the total amount will have to be sent to our bank account and bank account details are available on our website. For more information feel free to contact us by email at info@odysseytreksnepal.com or info.odysseytresk@gmail.com.
How big are the groups?
In order to operate group joining fixed departure trips we need minimum of two persons but for private trips, no minimum and maximum apply. You can travel with us, whether you are alone or with a large group. But remember that according to the rules of the government, trekking to a restricted area requires minimum of 2 persons.
Is there anyone to meet us at the airport upon arrival?
Yes, a representative from our office will be at the airport with a banner of your name. You will then be transferred to your hotel by our representative. After that you will be invited to our office or we can visit your hotel where you will meet with your guide and trip briefing will be done.
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Guest reviews
Thank you a lot for your organization about my trek. It was a superb experience; all was perfect. Karma is a very nice person and a good guide. I appreciated trekking with Odyssey (a reliable Nepal trek operator). If I come back to Nepal, I will be happy to...
Have just returned from my fourth trip to Nepal and as always Odyssey Treks organized everything superbly. We visited Makalu relatively late in the season and were rewarded with empty trails and amazing weather. Karma was as entertaining, friendly, and informative as ever along with Ang Dawa Sherpa who...